Advice for painting a vehicle?

Art Discussion and Questions
1

Alas, I have finally spotted a couple tiny little rust spots on the roof of my sunburned, 16-year old car! I’m a little bit sad, but also a little excited at the idea of needing to give her a fresh coat of paint, and having the opportunity to spice her up a bit!

(rust spots on roof; don’t mind the clay. I know, I know…)

IMG_0545
IMG_05452142×2856 1.66 MB

I don’t know anything about painting a car, so I wanted to ask for advice, in case anyone here has experience or knowledge!

I really want to paint some sort of little mural on the roof… I’d probably plan on doing a base coat of sorts, then acrylic for the artwork, and then coat in a clear automotive paint/sealer? Would that work?

Also, I feel like if I’m going to paint the roof, I should also attempt to do something with the rest of it, even just for sun/weather protection. I am a little hesitant though because (I know I’m weird) I kind of like the patina that has shown up over time. The flaking clear coat looks like stars and galaxies, and there is a cool purple/pink shimmer that has appeared from the depths of what used to be rich blue paint. Is there any way to clean and seal this in so it stays the same?

(pink-ish sheen and cool patterns in wear)

IMG_0547
IMG_05472142×2856 1.26 MB

IMG_0546
IMG_05462142×2856 1.88 MB

I love this car and I don’t want to make the paint worse, but at the very least, I need to do something about the tiny rust bits so please let me know if anyone has ideas!

(And if not, I’ll probably end up trying some things anyway, and I’ll eventually report back!)

2 Likes
2

I bet if you head into an automotive store there will be someone who is excited about car paint! I have ordered paint from our Honda dealer for minor touch ups. But, if you are willing to do a more artistic paint job, like I said, people in the automotive or racing scene will talk your ear off!

2 Likes
3

If you’re just going to use a clear coat, try to find Spray Max 2k and do a couple coats. If you prime and paint, use a primer that inhibits rust. Spray Max makes one but Rustoleum or something else should also work.

And that is where my car paint knowledge ends. Spray Max 2k is highly recommended for top coat on bikes for weather protection and you should be able to find it at an auto parts store.

2 Likes
4

@AIMR Thank you! And you’re so right. I need to see if any of the local car shop guys are excited to help!

@MamaRhi Thank you so much! This is so helpful! And since the purpose is to hopefully prevent more rust, I want to make sure i do the initial clean-up right!

1 Like